Castleton CofE Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 May 2024

At Castleton C of E Primary every pupil is known as an individual. The 'family feel' is tangible as you walk through the door. Pupils and parents and carers value the nurturing and caring learning environment that has been established. Pupils routinely describe the school as 'amazing'. Parents agree that it is a unique and special place. One parent said: 'My child feels happy, safe, secure and valued here.' Some parents travel significant distance because they are convinced this is the best school for their child. Relationships between staff and pupils are exemplary. They are based on mutual respect and kindness. Right from the early years, staff have high expectations of children's behaviour. At every point in the school day, pupils can be spotted supporting each other. At playtime, younger pupils dress up as superheroes and act out rescuing each other as part of their games. Staff and governors have worked with determination and pace to bring about significant school improvement. While there is more to do, the school has achieved a great deal in a short period of time. There is much to be proud of at Castleton C of E Primary School.

What the school should improve

• In the foundation subjects, the curriculum has not been designed with sufficient consideration for mixed-age classes. The small steps of learning that pupils need to make are not logically organised. This means that pupils' new learning does not always build on prior learning. The school should ensure that the curriculum is crafted with the school's specific context in mind.
• There is some variability in the delivery of the curriculum. Sometimes, the lesson design and the learning activities provided do not support pupils to recall prior learning or enable them to acquire new knowledge well as they could. The school should establish key expectations for lesson structure that will support pupils to learn as well as they can and retain important knowledge in their long-term memory.
• Subject leadership is at different stages of development. Leaders have prioritised the leadership of core subjects. They have not yet identified subject leaders for foundation subjects. At the moment, there is limited oversight of the implementation and impact of the curriculum in these subjects. The school should ensure that these roles are established so that subject leaders can monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)